Method of manufacturing a car window graphic

ABSTRACT

A graphic, includes a substrate and a printed pattern disposed over the substrate. The substrate is configured to attach to a mounting surface, and is transparent. The printed pattern exposes a nonprinted pattern. The printed pattern is a geometric projection of a graphic design on the mounting surface from a first viewpoint, and the nonprinted pattern is a geometric projection of a transparency design on the mounting surface from a second viewpoint.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/694,598 filed Sep. 1, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,467,931 issued onNov. 5, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/382,586, filed on Sep. 1, 2016, both of which areincorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Mounted graphics include designs printed on substrates that can bemounted on surfaces. Mounted graphics include window graphics, which canbe attached to windows, e.g., building windows, car windows, etc.

In certain applications, a window graphic displays a pattern when viewedfrom one side of the window, but is perceived as transparent fromanother side of the window. Creating a window graphic that displays animage, but also transmits light, can be accomplished by printing theimage on one side of a substrate material and physically perforating thesubstrate material. When the perforated window graphic is attached to awindow of a structure, a person inside the structure can see through theholes in the perforated substrate to the outside, thereby perceiving thewindow graphic as transparent.

On the other hand, a person outside the structure may see the imageprinted on the outside surface of the substrate of the window graphic(i.e., the material remaining after perforation), without perceivinglight through the holes.

The window graphic may be physically affixed to the window surface viaan adhesive. The window graphic is attached to the window surface bycoating the substrate with an adhesive, and fixing the substrate to thewindow surface. The window graphic may also be covered with a laminate.

In conventional processes, the window graphic is installed on curvedmounting surfaces via stretching. The substrate material is flexible andcan be pulled and manipulated to ‘wrap’ around curved surfaces and thencut to size.

However, conventional window graphics have several problems, mostnotably:

1. The physically perforated “holes” in the substrate are easily filledwith dust/debris, restricting light transmission and degrading thewindow graphic's integrity over time. Certain applications require theadditional application of the lamination layer to ensure opticaltransmission characteristics, product durability, and weatherresistance.

2. Physically perforating the substrate weakens the substrate material,thereby making it susceptible to tearing and peeling.

3. Since physical perforation is only feasible with certain materials,the substrate of the conventional window graphic is restricted tocertain materials that are easily perforated, that maintain theirstructure and strength after perforation, that can be stretched, andthat can be printed.

4. The perforations and limited substrate materials make the windowgraphic unsuitable for certain applications, such as under car wiperblades, or when applied to a window with a defroster.

5. The conventional window graphic is difficult to install, and iseasily ruined if not installed correctly the first time (wrinkled,etc.). In addition, the image printed on the conventional window graphicis distorted when the window graphic is stretched over a non-flatmounting surface.

6. As a result of the reduced surface area of the substrate due to theholes within the substrate, a relatively strong adhesive is required toensure a proper bond to the mounting surface. However, strong adhesivesincrease installation difficulty, increase risk of permanent damage tothe mounting surface upon removal, and cannot be removed and re-used.

7. The conventional window graphic is either entirely transmissive tolight through the holes, or entirely opaque round the holes, whichlimits the designs that can be displayed by the window graphic.

8. When the conventional window graphic is mounted on a tilted or curvedmounting surface, the image and perforation pattern appears distortedfrom different viewpoints.

Therefore, current products have poor physical integrity, are restrictedto a limited class of materials and applications, are difficult toinstall, are installed with relatively permanent adhesives, and havelimited graphical capabilities. Current products do not optimize lighttransmission and graphic integrity based upon the window shape and angleand cannot optimize light transmission and graphic integrity based uponthe individual graphic design.

In practice, current products use a single substrate; a singleperforation pattern; an additional lamination layer. In addition,conventional window graphics generally must be installed by aprofessional; on vertical surfaces to ensure that light transmission isnot impeded; and on surfaces without wiper blades or defrost wires.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to various embodiments, a car window graphic includes asubstrate configured to attach to a mounting surface, the substratebeing transparent; a printed pattern disposed over the substrate, theprinted pattern exposing a nonprinted pattern.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern is a geometric projection of agraphic design on the mounting surface from a first viewpoint, and thenonprinted pattern is a geometric projection of a transparency design onthe mounting surface from a second viewpoint.

In an embodiment, the graphic design is an undistorted image disposedperpendicularly to a line defined from the first viewpoint to a centerof the mounting surface, and the transparency design is an undistortedimage disposed perpendicularly to a line defined from the secondviewpoint to the center of the mounting surface.

In an embodiment, the mounting surface is non-parallel to the graphicdesign, the transparency design, or both.

In an embodiment, the mounting surface is curved.

In an embodiment, the mounting surface is a surface of a window of astructure, the first viewpoint is located outside of the structure, andthe second viewpoint is located inside of the structure.

In an embodiment, the mounting surface is a surface of a rear window ofa first vehicle, the first viewpoint is an estimated viewpoint of adriver in a second vehicle behind the first vehicle, and the secondviewpoint is an estimated viewpoint of a driver of the first vehicle.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern includes a white opaque ink layer,a transparent color ink layer, and a dark opaque ink layer.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern includes a first portion and asecond portion, and the nonprinted pattern isolates the first portionfrom the second portion.

According to various embodiments, a method of manufacturing a car windowgraphic includes forming a substrate, the substrate being configured toattach to a mounting substrate and being transparent; depositing aprinted pattern over the substrate, the printed pattern exposing anonprinted pattern. The printed pattern includes a geometric projectionof a graphic design on the mounting surface from a first viewpoint, andthe nonprinted pattern is a geometric projection of a transparencydesign on the mounting surface from a second viewpoint.

In an embodiment, the graphic design is an undistorted image disposedperpendicularly to a line defined from the first viewpoint to a centerof the mounting surface, and the transparency design is an undistortedimage disposed perpendicularly to a line defined from the secondviewpoint to the center of the mounting surface.

In an embodiment, the mounting surface is non-parallel to the graphicdesign, the transparency design, or both.

In an embodiment, the mounting surface is curved.

In an embodiment, the mounting surface is a surface of a rear window ofa first vehicle, the first viewpoint is an estimated viewpoint of adriver in a second vehicle behind the first vehicle, and the secondviewpoint is an estimated viewpoint of a driver of the first vehicle.

In an embodiment, forming the substrate includes thermoforming apolymeric material to a mold of the mounting surface.

In an embodiment, the method further includes generatingthree-dimensional (3D) coordinates of the mounting surface, the firstviewpoint, and the second viewpoint; generating 3D coordinates of theprinted pattern by projecting image data of the graphic design onto the3D coordinates of the mounting surface from the 3D coordinates of thefirst viewpoint, and by projecting image data of the transparency designonto the 3D coordinates of the mounting surface from the 3D coordinatesof the second viewpoint; and converting the 3D coordinates of theprinted pattern into two-dimensional (2D) coordinates along the mountingsurface. Depositing the printed pattern on the substrate includesprinting one or more ink layers on the substrate in accordance with the2D coordinates.

In an embodiment, generating the 3D coordinates of the mounting surfaceincludes scanning the mounting surface with a 3D scanner.

In an embodiment, the method further includes attaching the substrate tothe mounting surface via a adhesive; and trimming the attached substrateat an edge of the mounting surface.

An apparatus includes a memory storing non-transitory program commands;and one or more processor which, when executing the program commands:generates three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a mounting surface, afirst viewpoint, and a second viewpoint; generates 3D coordinates of aprinted pattern by projecting image data of a graphic design onto the 3Dcoordinates of the mounting surface from the 3D coordinates of the firstviewpoint, and by projecting image data of a transparency design ontothe 3D coordinates of the mounting surface from the 3D coordinates ofthe second viewpoint; converts the 3D coordinates of the printed patterninto two-dimensional (2D) coordinates along the mounting surface; andcauses a printer to deposit the printed pattern over a substrate, thesubstrate being configured to attach to the mounting surface, thesubstrate being transparent and continuous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a method of generating a surface design of a graphicin accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of generating a surface design of a graphicin accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of forming a graphic using the surfacedesign in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a mounted graphic viewed on mountingsurface according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an interior viewing angle according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exterior viewing angle according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a graphic viewed at different anglesaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate a non-optimized graphic and asurface-optimized graphic according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a mounted graphic with a noncontinuous printedpattern according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a mounted graphic including a plurality of printedlayers according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of printed patterns and perceivedpatterns of graphics according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of nonprinted patterns and perceivednonprinted patterns of graphics according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a mounted graphic with varying levelsof transparency according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a printed substrate that conforms to a curvedmounting surface according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a computer system according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A graphic in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosureincludes a substrate and a pattern printed on the substrate. Thesubstrate is continuous, that is, unperforated.

In an embodiment, the substrate is transparent. Accordingly, the patternprinted on the substrate may have various levels of transparency,thereby enabling the mounted graphic to display transparent designs.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern includes one or more ink layersarranged to display a printed image on the surface of the substrate. Theprinted pattern also exposes an unprinted pattern on the substrate.Accordingly, some viewers can see the printed image on the mountedgraphic, and other viewers can see through the mounted graphic due tothe unprinted pattern.

The mounted graphic is customized for the shape and orientation of thesurface it is configured to be mounted on, as well as anticipatedviewpoints of different viewers. When the mounted graphic is attached toa mounting surface that is tilted and/or curved, a viewer perceives anundistorted image, rather than the pattern printed along the surface ofthe substrate. If the pattern printed on the surface of the substrate isthe desired graphic design, the viewer therefore sees a distortedversion of the desired graphic design.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the printedpattern of the mounted graphic is a geometric projection of the desiredgraphic design on the mounting surface from the perspective of aviewpoint of the anticipated viewer. Accordingly, the viewer sees thedesired graphic design without distortions created by the shape andangle of the mounting surface. The design displayed by the mountedgraphic is optimized for the mounting surface and the viewer of thedesign. When the mounting surface is a rear window of a car, forexample, the anticipated viewer may be a driver in another car behindthe rear window.

Similarly, according to an embodiment, the unprinted pattern is ageometric projection of a desired transparency design on the mountingsurface from the perspective of a viewpoint of an anticipated viewer.Accordingly, the anticipated viewer can perceive the mounting surface ashomogenously transparent across the mounting surface. When the mountingsurface is the rear window of the car, for example, the anticipatedviewer of the transparency design is a driver of the car.

In an embodiment, the substrate is also customized for the mountingsurface. For example, the substrate is thermoformed to a mold of themounting surface. Accordingly, the mounted graphic can be installed onthe mounting surface without significantly stretching the mountedgraphic over the mounting surface and distorting the design printed onthe substrate.

In an embodiment, the mounted graphic is nonperforated, that is,continuous. The continuous substrate lends enhanced physical integrityto the mounted graphic, so that it may be installed using relativelyweak and/or temporary adhesives. In addition, an exposed surface of themounted graphic is relatively flat and physically stable. Accordingly,the mounted graphic can be installed on surfaces with physical fixtures.For example, the mounted graphic can be installed on car windows thatare subject to windshield wipers, defrosters, etc.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to graphic configuredto be mounted on a surface, and a method of generating the graphic. Thegraphic may be a window graphic, that is, a graphic configured to bemounted on a window. A material may be deposited on a substrate (e.g.paper, plastic, etc.), which, when affixed to a transparent orsemi-transparent surface (e.g. glass, plastic, etc.), enables a personoutside of the structure (e.g. car, building, etc.) to ‘see’ the graphic(e.g. symbols, letters, colors, pictures, photos, etc.), and whichenables a person inside of the structure to see through the substrateand view the outside environment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide permanent orsemi-permanent graphics placed on transparent or semi-transparentsurfaces, such as glass. Embodiments are configured to attach tostructures such as car windows and buildings.

Embodiments include a graphic affixed to a structure that transmitslight while retaining the graphic's high physical integrity (definition,color, etc.).

The graphic enables a person inside the structure to see through thesubstrate to the outside.

The graphic enable a person outside the structure to see an imagepatterned on the graphic, i.e. the symbols, photos, pictures, colors,lettering, etc., which is intact and retains its integrity afterinstallation.

The graphic is installed by physically affixing the graphic to themounting surface.

In addition, the graphic can be installed on surfaces with varyingdegrees of curvature (e.g. car glass or storefront windows).

FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 of generating a surface design of agraphic in accordance with an embodiment.

3-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a mounting surface are generated atS110. The 3D coordinates of the mounting surface are generated, forexample, using a 3D scanner, a 3D digitizing device such as aMicroScribe G2x Digitizer. In another embodiment, the 3D coordinates aregenerated by measuring an angle of the mounting surface with respect toa vertical direction and measuring the dimensions of the mountingsurface.

In an embodiment, the 3D coordinates of the mounting surface are furthergenerated with sizes and locations of wiper blade attachments that aredesigned to touch the mounting surface.

The 3D coordinates may be stored in a database. For example, when a rearwindow of a 2013 Volvo XC60 is used as the mounting surface and isscanned, the information gleaned can be used for all future windowgraphics designed for other 2013 Volvo XC60 rear windows.

3D coordinates of one or more anticipated viewpoints are generated atS120. In an embodiment, the 3D coordinates of the one or moreanticipated viewers are generated by estimating a position ofanticipated viewers relative to the mounting surface. For example, theone or more anticipated viewers include a first viewpoint that willperceive an image printed on the mounted graphic, and a second viewpointthat will perceive the mounted graphic as transparent.

In a specific embodiment in which the mounted surface is the rear windowof a vehicle, the first viewpoint is at an eye position of an expectedviewer outside of the vehicle, e.g., a person driving behind thevehicle, and the second viewpoint is an eye position of an expectedviewer inside of the vehicle, e.g., a driver of the vehicle.

The 3D coordinates of the one or more anticipated viewpoints may bederived from structure surface context measurements of a structureincluding the mounting surface. Structure surface context measurementscan be added to the database. The database may be exclusive of anymeasurement outside of direct contact with the structure. For example,where the surface is the rear window of a car, e.g., a 2013 Volvo XC60,the surface context measurements may include: the range of distancesfrom the driver's seat to various point on the rear window; the heightof the vehicle off the ground; the height of the driver seat in thevehicle from the ground; etc.

3D coordinates of a printed design of the mounted graphic are generatedat S130. In a specific embodiment, a desired graphic design is virtuallyprojected onto the 3D coordinates of the mounting surface from the 3Dcoordinates of an anticipated viewpoint. In addition, a desiredtransparency design is virtually projected onto the 3D coordinates ofthe mounting surface from the 3D coordinates of an anticipatedviewpoint. The 3D coordinates of the printed design are generated bysubtracting the projected transparency design from the projected graphicdesign, for example.

At S140, the 3D coordinates of the printed design are converted to 2Dcoordinates along the mounting surface. In an embodiment, the 3Dcoordinates of the printed design are scaled to the 3D coordinates ofthe mounting surface, thereby producing a flat pattern, which can beprinted on a substrate that is attached directly to the mountingsurface.

Subsequently, the surface design may be printed on a substrate, and theprinted substrate may be installed on the mounting surface. In anembodiment, the substrate is customized to the mounting surface.

The method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be performed using hardware,software, or both. For example, the method 100 can be performed by oneor more processors executing non-transitory program instructions, whichare stored in a memory or within a computer-readable medium.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 of generating a surface design of awindow graphic in accordance with an embodiment.

An angle of a mounting surface is determined at S210. For example,physical measurements can be taken of the mounting surface with respectto a vertical direction. In another example, the angle is predeterminedand loaded from a database.

Positions of one or more anticipated viewpoints are determined at S220.Each of the anticipate viewpoints determined at S220 may be derivedsimilarly to the anticipated viewpoints determined at S120, which isdescribed with reference to FIG. 1.

A surface design is determined by adjusting a graphic design based onthe angle of the mounting surface and the one or more anticipatedviewpoints at S230. In an embodiment, a vertical dimension of thegraphic design is vertically stretched according to the angle takenbetween the mounting surface and the vertical direction. For example, adimension of the surface design is determined by dividing acorresponding dimension of the graphic design by a cosine of the angletaken between the mounting surface and the vertical direction.

In an embodiment, the angle of the mounting surface is adjusted based onthe anticipated viewpoints before the surface design is determined. Forexample, if an anticipated viewpoint is located at a lower height than amidpoint of the mounting surface, the angle is adjusted based on adiscrepancy angle between a horizontal direction and a line connectingthe midpoint and the anticipated viewpoint.

The surface design includes a printed pattern and exposes a nonprintedpattern, in an embodiment. Accordingly, the printed pattern and thenonprinted pattern may be adjusted at S230. In an embodiment, theprinted pattern is adjusted based on a first anticipated viewpointlocated to one side of the mounting surface, and the nonprinted patternis adjusted based on a second anticipated viewpoint located to anotherside of the mounting surface.

Subsequently, the surface design may be printed on a substrate, and theprinted substrate may be installed on the mounting surface. In anembodiment, the substrate is customized to the mounting surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of forming a graphic using the surfacedesign in accordance with an embodiment.

Using specific surface measurements of the mounting surface, thesubstrate can be manufactured to exactly fit the mounting surface. Thesubstrate may be manufactured by first creating a mold, and molding thesubstrate to the mold.

A pattern is printed on a substrate at S310. The substrate is a film,for example. In an embodiment, the printed pattern exposes a nonprintedpattern on the substrate. For example, the printed pattern displays ageometric projection of a graphic design from a first viewpoint on themounting surface, and the nonprinted pattern includes a geometricprojection of a transparency design from a second viewpoint on themounting surface. The printed pattern may be consistent with the surfacedesign described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2.

In an embodiment, the pattern is printed using an ink-jet printer. Thepattern includes one or more ink layers printed on the substrate. Forexample, the ink layers include a white ink layer a dark ink layer, anda transparent color ink layer. In a specific embodiment, the dark inklayer is disposed above the substrate, the white ink layer is disposedabove the dark ink layer, and the transparent color ink layer isdisposed above the white ink layer. In another embodiment, thetransparent color ink layer is disposed under the substrate, the whiteink layer is disposed under the transparent color ink layer, and thedark ink layer is disposed under the white ink layer. Accordingly, inembodiments, the dark ink layer is viewable underneath the substrate,whereas a viewer above the printed pattern sees a design comprising allof the ink layers.

In some embodiments, a transparent laminate is attached to the printedpattern on the substrate. The transparent laminate imparts UV stability,physical stability, etc. to the printed substrate according to variousembodiments. However, the transparent laminate is omitted in otherembodiments.

In various embodiments, the substrate includes a polymeric material andhas a thickness between 0.2 and 0.5 mm. The polymeric material, forexample, includes polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalateglycol-modified (PETG), vinyl, or a combination thereof.

A mold of a mounting surface is formed at S320. In an embodiment, asurface of the mold is smooth and nonporous. The mold is formed, forexample, using 3D surface measurements of the mounting surface that areobtained by 3D-scanning the mounting surface.

The printed substrate is stretched over the mold at S330.

The printed substrate is thermoformed on the mold at S340. The substrateis thermoformed at a higher temperature than an expected storage or usetemperature, and at a lower temperature than a melting point of the pinkprinted on the substrate. For example, the substrate is thermoformed ata temperature between 175° and 220° F.

The thermoformed substrate is cut to a size of the mounting surface atS350. For example, outer edges of the substrate are cut to a shape ofthe mounting surface, the mold, or both.

The printed substrate is installed on the mounting surface at S360. Inan embodiment, an adhesive is coated on a surface of the printedsubstrate. The adhesive-coated surface of the substrate is then attachedto the mounting surface. To ensure that the printed substrate is evenlyattached to the mounting surface, air bubbles that form between theprinted substrate and the mounting surface during installation arepushed to an edge of the printed substrate as the printed substrate isbeing installed.

In an embodiment, the printed substrate is installed without a permanentadhesive. For example, the printed substrate is installed on themounting surface with magnets or clips. Accordingly, the printedsubstrate is removable after installation.

In an embodiment, the graphic including the printed substrate isproduced using 1) the specific surface measurements of the mountingsurface, 2) structure surface context information, and/or a database ofspecific 3) relative-to-the-surface measurements and estimates stored ina database. In addition, the database can be updated with newmeasurements taken to manufacture the mounted graphic. The measurementsand estimates may relate to spaces inside the structure. For example, ifthe mounting surface is a rear window of a vehicle, the measurements maybe based off of a relative height of a driver's seat of the vehicle tothe rear window of the vehicle.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a mounted graphic viewed on mountingsurface according to an embodiment.

The mounted graphic includes a printed pattern 410 and an unprintedpattern 420. The printed pattern 410 includes one or more layers of inkhaving various transparencies and colors. Accordingly, the printedpattern 410 can display a highly customizable design.

The unprinted pattern 420 is exposed by the printed pattern 410, andincludes a plurality of unprinted shapes. When an underlying substrateon which the printed pattern 410 is deposited is transparent, theunprinted pattern 420 is also transparent.

According to an embodiment, the mounted graphic is visually customizedfor the mounting surface. When the mounted graphic is installed on themounting surface and viewed from an anticipated viewpoint, the printedpattern 410 and the unprinted pattern 420 appear undistorted. In thespecific embodiment of FIG. 4, the printed pattern 410 is perceived asdisplaying an undistorted printed design, and the unprinted pattern 420is perceived as displaying an undistorted plurality of circular shapes.

However, if the mounting surface is not perfectly flat and perpendicularto a viewing direction, the mounted graphic appears differently when itis arranged perpendicular to the viewing direction. For example, thedesign of the printed pattern 410, and the shapes of the unprintedpattern 420 may appear distorted along the mounting surface.

FIG. 5 illustrates an interior viewing angle, according to anembodiment, in which a graphic is mounted on a rear window of a car 500.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a position of a driver's eyes510 is an anticipated viewpoint.

A position of a rear window 520 of the car 500 is disposed an angle αrelative to a vertical direction, e.g., a y direction. A distance xseparates the position of the driver's eyes 510 from a position of therear window 520 of the car 500, e.g., relative to an x direction. Theposition of the rear window 520 of the car 500 is, for example, a centerof the rear window of the car 500.

In an embodiment, the angle α and the distance x are derived by takingmeasurements of the car 500. For example, the angle α and the distance xis be estimated based on structure surface context measurements.

For example, where the surface is the rear window of a car, the angle αof viewing for the driver is estimated by estimating the position x ofthe position of the driver's eyes 510 relative to the position of therear window 520. In an embodiment, the position of the driver's eyes 510is estimated by adding average human eye heights to the range of seatheights measured in the car 500. In another embodiment, the position ofthe driver's eyes 510 is estimated based on predetermined specificationssupplied by the manufacturer of the car 500.

According to an embodiment, the estimated angle α and distance x areused to generate an unprinted pattern of the window graphic. That is,the angle α and distance x are used to generate an anticipated viewpointof a viewer who perceives the window graphic as transparent.

The graphic may also be generated by measurements and estimates ofspaces outside the structure. For example, a position of the eyes of anexpected viewer, who is located outside of the car 500, is estimatedbased on external measurements of the car 500.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exterior viewing angle according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a graphic is installed on a rear window of afirst car 600. A position of the rear window 620 is, for example, acenter of the rear window of the first car 600. A second car 650 ispositioned behind the first car 600. An anticipated viewpoint of thegraphic is a position of a following driver's eyes 660, who is drivingthe second car 650.

A viewing angle α′ corresponds to an estimated viewing angle thefollowing driver's eyes 660 to the position of the rear window 620 onwhich the graphic is affixed. A distance x′ corresponds to the distancebetween the following driver's eyes 660 and the position of the rearwindow 620 in front of the driver.

When the graphic is being viewed by the following driver of the car 650behind the mounting surface of the graphic, the angle α′ is estimated byestimating the location of the following driver's eyes 660 in 3D spaceand estimating the distance x′ from the location of the driver's eyes660 to the graphic at the position of the rear window 620 of the firstcar 600 in front of the following driver.

For example, the angle α′ and the distance x′ are estimated based on anaverage height of a human being, an average height of a driver seat,and/or an average following distance by vehicles during traffic.

According to an embodiment, the estimated angle α′ and distance x′ areused to generate a printed pattern of the graphic. That is, the angle α′and distance x′ are used to generate an anticipated viewpoint of aviewer who perceives an image printed on the graphic.

By generating the graphic using 1) specific surface measurements of thestructure on which the graphic is mounted, the 2)relative-to-the-surface measurements and estimates of viewers withrespect to the structure, and 3) a two-dimensional graphic design to bedisplayed by the graphic, the graphic may be optimized-for a specificthree-dimensional space according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a graphic 700 viewed at different angles,according to an embodiment.

The graphic 700 includes a printed pattern 710 and a nonprinted pattern720. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b , the printedpattern 710 displays a printed image of the word “Hello.” The nonprintedpattern 720 has a shape of a plurality of spots.

FIG. 7a shows a graphic 700 from a perpendicular viewing direction. Forexample, FIG. 7a shows a view of the graphic 700 when the graphic 700 isflattened and perpendicular to a line defined between a viewpoint andthe center of the graphic 700.

The graphic 700 includes a printed pattern 710 and a nonprinted pattern720. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b , the printedpattern 710 displays a printed image of the word “Hello.” The nonprintedpattern 720 has a shape of a plurality of spots.

As shown in FIG. 7a , the printed image of the printed pattern 710 andthe plurality of spots of the nonprinted pattern 720 are distorted whenthe graphic 700 is viewed perpendicularly. That is, the printed pattern710 and the nonprinted pattern 720 appear vertically elongated when thegraphic 700 is viewed perpendicularly.

FIG. 7b shows the graphic 700 from an angled viewing direction. Forexample, FIG. 7b shows how the graphic 700 of FIG. 7a would be perceivedwhile being installed on an angled mounting surface, e.g., a rear windowof a vehicle. As shown, the printed pattern 710 is perceived as anintended graphic design 730, and the nonprinted pattern 720 is perceivedas an intended transparency design 740.

In other words, the designs printed on the graphic 700 are undistortedwhen the graphic 700 is installed on the angled mounting surface, andviewed from an anticipated viewpoint.

Using a combination of 1) specific mounting surface information, 2)viewer-relative-to-the-surface information, and 3) a desired graphic tobe displayed, a design that is optimized for three-dimensional space canbe created, deposited on a substrate, and mounted on the mountingsurface. The deposition pattern may achieve targeted light transmission,and may have optimized visual integrity for viewing the desired graphicoutside the structure.

FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate a non-optimized graphic 810 and asurface-optimized graphic 820 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8a illustrates the non-optimized graphic 810 and thesurface-optimized graphic 820 from a perpendicular viewing direction. Ifthe desired pattern is a plurality of circular spots, the non-optimizedgraphic 810 shows the desired pattern when viewed perpendicularly,whereas the surface-optimized graphic 820 shows a distorted version ofthe desired pattern when viewed perpendicularly. That is, the spots ofthe surface-optimized graphic 820 are elongated compared to the desiredpattern.

FIG. 8b illustrates the non-optimized graphic 810 and thesurface-optimized window graphic 820 when they are installed on angledmounting surfaces. As shown, the non-optimized graphic 810 shows adistorted version of the desired pattern when it is installed on themounting surface, whereas the surface-optimized graphic 820 shows thedesired pattern when installed on the mounting surface.

FIG. 9 illustrates a mounted graphic 900 with a noncontinuous printedpattern according to an embodiment.

The mounted graphic 900 includes a substrate 910, a printed pattern 920,and a nonprinted pattern 930. The mounted graphic 900 is configured tobe installed on a mounting surface 950.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern 920 includes one or more inklayers disposed on the substrate 910. The nonprinted pattern 930includes a plurality of circular dots 932 and a ring 934. In anembodiment, the nonprinted pattern 930 corresponds to a portion of thesubstrate 910 that is not printed with ink. That is, the nonprintedpattern 930 is exposed by the printed pattern 920.

The printed pattern 920 includes a first portion 822 and a secondportion 824, which are disconnected from each other by the ring 934 ofthe nonprinted pattern 930. The printed pattern 920 maintains itsgraphical integrity during installation, because the printed pattern 920is printed on a continuous substrate 910.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can display portionsof a pattern that are entirely separated by transparent patterns.

In contrast, a noncontinuous mounted graphic that uses cut-out shapesand/or perforations in place of the nonprinted pattern 930 of FIG. 9could not maintain its graphical integrity during installation.Specifically, the noncontinuous mounted graphic would have a loose innercircle of printed substrate that could not be perfectly aligned to therest of the substrate.

FIG. 10 illustrates a mounted graphic 1000 including a plurality ofprinted layers according to an embodiment.

The mounted graphic 1000 includes a substrate 1010 and a printedpattern. The printed pattern includes a dark ink layer 1022, a white inklayer 1024, and a color ink layer 1026.

The substrate 1010 continuous (i.e., nonperforated). In an embodiment,the substrate 1010 is formed by stretching a film over a mold of amounting surface, thermoforming the film on the mounting surface, andthen trimming the thermoformed film. In an embodiment, the film includesa polymeric material.

In an embodiment, the mold includes a nonporous material. The mold issmooth and rigid, in order to prevent the mold from imparting smalloptical imperfections in the plastic film and reducing clarity of thesubstrate 1010.

In an embodiment, the polymeric material is printable. The polymericmaterial is capable of absorbing a printing ink, e.g., a digitalprinting ink used to print the printed pattern. The polymeric materialis also capable of supporting second-surface-printing and displaying ahigh resolution image, without a significant loss in vividness in theprinted image. For example, the polymeric material supports printing thedesign on a lower surface of the substrate, which is the surface of thesubstrate that is closest to the mounting surface after installation.Accordingly, the polymeric material is capable of displaying a vividimage having a depth effect according to an embodiment.

The substrate 1010, as well as the polymeric material, are opticallytransparent. Accordingly, a nonprinted pattern of the mounted graphic1000 appears optically transparent.

The polymeric material is formable at a desired thermoformingtemperature. The thermoforming temperature is low enough to not destroyink of the printed pattern, which may be printed on the film before thefilm is thermoformed. The thermoforming temperature is high enough thatthe polymeric material does not lose its structural integrity duringhandling and storage. For example, the thermoforming temperature islower than 220° F. and greater than 175° F.

The film is physically durable. For example, the polymeric material isUV-resistant, or the film is coated in an additional UV-resistant layer.According to an embodiment, the polymeric material is not easilysplintered, frayed, weathered, torn, etc. In addition, the film isscratch-resistant. For example, the polymeric material is itselfscratch-resistant, or the film is coated with a scratch resistant layer.

The film has memory according to an embodiment. That is, the polymericmaterial is elastic and able to resume a 3D shape formed by thethermoforming process, but is flexible enough to be rolled up, stored,and/or shipped in a rigid shipping tube. In addition, a thickness of thefilm supports memory. For example, the film has a thickness of 0.2 to0.5 mm, but may have a different thickness depending on the polymericmaterial.

In an embodiment, the polymeric material includes any of PETG, vinyl,and similar materials.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern is deposited by applying amaterial, e.g., ink, to a portion of the substrate 1010, which includesthe film. The printed pattern 1020 exposes a nonprinted patternincluding viewing areas or ‘holes,’ analogous to the physicalperforations in the current state of the art. However, the viewing areasor holes are not physical perforations of the substrate. Rather, theholes are areas where the transparent substrate is exposed.

The ink may be applied to the substrate 1010 in one or more layers atvarying levels of coverage across the substrate to deliver specificlight transmission requirements. The ink coverage ranges from limitedcoverage to create a partially transparent substrate and total coverageto block all light transmission through the substrate.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern includes an opaque base ink layerdisposed on the substrate. For example, the base ink layer is the darkink layer 1022. The dark ink layer 1022 may be added to optimize viewingthrough the substrate from the inside of a structure on which thesubstrate 1010 is affixed. For example, a first viewer may view agraphic formed by the printed pattern, and a second viewer on anopposite side of the graphic from the first viewer views a nonprintedpattern, or a transparency pattern, formed by unprinted portions of thesubstrate. In this example, the dark ink layer 1022 reduces thevisibility of the graphic displayed by the printed pattern for thesecond user.

The white ink layer 1024, of varying levels of coverage, may be added ontop of the dark ink layer 1022 to maximize the saturation of the colorsin the printed graphic, when, for example, the color inks of the colorink layer 1026 are transparent.

In an embodiment, the printed pattern is printed on a lower surface ofthe substrate 1010. Accordingly, the base ink layer is the color inklayer 1026, the white ink layer 1024 is printed on the color ink layer1026, and the dark ink layer 1022 is printed on the white ink layer1024. In an embodiment, the printed pattern is disposed between thesubstrate and the mounting surface after installation, and the printedpattern is therefore shielded from the elements without the presence ofan additional lamination layer.

The nonprinted pattern includes “no coverage” areas that are astransparent as the substrate 1010, which is fully transparent orsemi-transparent.

The nonprinted pattern includes areas that have different shapes(circular, oval, chevron, rectangular, etc.) and various sizes accordingto different embodiments. Because the printed pattern 1020 is depositedon a continuous substrate 1010, in an embodiment, the nonprinted patternincludes areas that separate portions of the printed pattern 1020 fromeach other, without separating the graphic 1000 into multiple pieces.

Using embodiments of the present disclosure, one can then print shapes,letters, etc. in various colors to create a graphic visible from outsideof the structure on which the substrate is affixed.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of printed patterns and perceivedpatterns of graphics according to an embodiment.

A structure 1100 (e.g., a car) has a mounting surface 1102 (e.g., a rearwindow of the car). According to various embodiments, the mountingsurface 1102 is affixed with a non-optimized mounted graphic and anoptimized mounted graphic.

As viewed from a perpendicular viewpoint 1110, a printed pattern of thenon-optimized mounted graphic 1120 appears undistorted, and a printedpattern of the optimized mounted graphic 1130 appears distorted. Forexample, when the mounting surface 1102 tilted at an angle with respectto a vertical direction, the printed pattern of the optimized mountedgraphic 1130 appears vertically elongated.

As viewed from an anticipated viewpoint 1112, however, a perceivedpattern of the non-optimized mounted graphic 1122 appears distorted, anda perceived pattern of the optimized mounted graphic 1132 appearsundistorted. For example, the perceived pattern of the optimized mountedgraphic 1132 is consistent with a graphic design that is intended to bedisplayed to a viewer with the anticipated viewpoint 1112.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of nonprinted patterns and perceivednonprinted patterns of graphics according to an embodiment.

A structure 1200 (e.g., a car) has a mounting surface 1202 (e.g., a rearwindow of the car). According to various embodiments, the mountingsurface 1202 is affixed with a non-optimized mounted graphic and anoptimized mounted graphic.

As viewed from a perpendicular viewpoint 1210, an element 1240 of anonprinted pattern of the non-optimized mounted graphic 1120 appearsundistorted, and an element 1250 of a nonprinted pattern of theoptimized mounted graphic 1230 appears distorted. For example, when themounting surface 1202 tilted at an angle with respect to a verticaldirection, the element 1250 of the nonprinted pattern of the optimizedmounted graphic 1230 appears vertically elongated.

As viewed from an anticipated viewpoint 1212, however, an element 1242of a perceived nonprinted pattern of the non-optimized mounted graphic1222 appears distorted, and an element 1252 of a perceived nonprintedpattern of the optimized mounted graphic 1232 appears undistorted. Forexample, the perceived pattern of the optimized mounted graphic 1232 isconsistent with a transparency design that is intended to be perceivedby a viewer with the anticipated viewpoint 1212.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a mounted graphic with varying levelsof transparency according to an embodiment.

A substrate 1300 is transparent. For example, an area 1310 of thesubstrate is transparent.

A mounted graphic 1320 including the substrate 1330 has various levelsof transparency according to an embodiment. For example, the area 1310of the substrate is fully transparent, and a nonprinted pattern exposingthe area 1310 is similarly fully transparent.

A first printed area 1330, which includes one or more stacked inklayers, is opaque. For example, the first printed area 1330 is fullyopaque or 0% transparent.

A second printed area 1340, which includes one or more stacked inklayers, is not fully transparent or opaque, but is partiallytransparent.

A third printed area 1350, which includes one or more stacked inklayers, is partially transparent, but less transparent and opaquer thanthe second printed area 1340. In a specific example, the third printedarea 1350 is 40% transparent, and the second printed area 1340 is 80%transparent.

Accordingly, mounted graphics including transparent substrates maysupport more than two levels of transparency. In contrast, a perforatedmounted graphic with an opaque substrate may only support two levels oftransparency by being fully transparent in the perforations, and fullyopaque outside of the perforations.

FIG. 14 illustrates a printed substrate 1400 that conforms to a curvedmounting surface according to an embodiment.

When the printed substrate 1400 is viewed from above, the printedsubstrate 1400 displays an image to the viewer. As illustrated in FIG.14, the image is spells out “ABC.”

When the printed substrate 1400 is viewed from below, however, the imageis partially or completely hidden from the viewer. In an embodiment, theprinted substrate 1400 appears transparent from a lower viewpoint due toa nonprinted pattern.

According to various embodiments, the printed substrate 1400 isthermoformed to a mold of the curved mounting surface before or afterbeing printed.

A mounted graphic according to an embodiment includes, for example, theprinted substrate 1400.

FIG. 15 illustrates a computer system 1520-1 according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 15, the computer system 1520-1 may include one or moreof a processor 1521, a memory 1523, a user input device 1526, a useroutput device 1527, and a storage 1528, each of which communicatesthrough a bus 1522. The computer system 1520-1 may also include anetwork interface 1529 that is coupled to a network 1530. The processor1521 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor devicethat executes processing instructions stored in the memory 1523 and/orthe storage 1528. The memory 1523 and the storage 1528 may includevarious forms of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example,the memory may include a read-only memory (ROM) 1524 and a random accessmemory (RAM) 1525.

An embodiment of the invention is implemented as a computer implementedmethod or as a non-transitory computer readable medium with computerexecutable instructions stored thereon. In an embodiment, when executedby the processor, the computer readable instructions may perform amethod according to at least one aspect of the invention.

A graphic, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,provides a number of benefits over traditional window-mounted graphics.For example, because the substrate of the mounted graphic is notphysically perforated, a substrate of the mounted graphic is not asprone to soiling, damage, wind resistance, etc., as perforatedmaterials.

In addition, the material comprising the substrate is relativelyunrestricted. According to various embodiments, the substrate includesany transparent material (i.e. glass, plexi-glass, plastic,polycarbonate, etc.).

The substrate can be manufactured to deliver specific physicalproperties that are targeted to a specific application. For example, thesubstrate could be made of a material that physically supports a glassmounting surface, and which helps the glass resist breakage. In anotherexample, the substrate could include a material that is resistant toultraviolet (UV) light, and/or filters out UV light.

The mounted graphic according to embodiments of the present disclosuremay not need lamination. The mounted graphic may display a desiredgraphic without a lamination layer or seal covering the graphic.

If adhesives are used in a method to affix the substrate, embodiments ofthe mounted graphic can be installed using different adhesives. Forexample, because the substrate is continuous, a weaker adhesive could beused than adhesives used to attach perforated window graphics. Theweaker adhesive may facilitate gliding and may enable an easierinstallation. In an embodiment, and adhesive used to affix the substratemay be weaker than adhesives required to affix a perforated substrate.

If adhesives are not used to affix the substrate, different installationmethods may be used. For example, magnets or clips may be used to attachthe mounted graphic to the mounting surface.

Embodiments enable the optimization of light transmission.

Embodiments enable the optimization of graphic integrity.

Embodiments enable the optimization of graphic viewability (based uponsurface shape, angle, and final graphic design) as the transparentcomponents of the finished product can be granularly controlled forevery installation to enable truly custom applications.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been illustratedand described herein, many changes can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it can beappreciated that the disclosure may be used in wireless networks, wirednetworks, fiber networks and coaxial networks alone, or in combination.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by any disclosedembodiment. Instead, the scope of the invention should be determinedfrom the appended claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A car window graphic, comprising: a substrateconfigured to attach to a mounting surface, the substrate beingtransparent and continuous; a printed pattern disposed over thesubstrate, the printed pattern exposing a nonprinted pattern.
 2. Thegraphic of claim 1, wherein the printed pattern is a geometricprojection of a graphic design on the mounting surface from a firstviewpoint, the graphic design being an undistorted image disposedperpendicularly to a line defined from the first viewpoint to a centerof the mounting surface, and wherein the nonprinted pattern is ageometric projection of a transparency design on the mounting surfacefrom a second viewpoint, the transparency design being an undistortedimage disposed perpendicularly to a line defined from the secondviewpoint to the center of the mounting surface.
 3. The graphic of claim2, wherein the mounting surface is non-parallel to the graphic design,the transparency design, or both.
 4. The graphic of claim 2, wherein themounting surface is curved.
 5. The graphic of claim 2, wherein themounting surface is a surface of a window of a structure, and whereinthe first viewpoint is located outside of the structure, and the secondviewpoint is located inside of the structure.
 6. The graphic of claim 5,wherein the mounting surface is a surface of a rear window of a firstvehicle, wherein the first viewpoint is an estimated viewpoint of adriver in a second vehicle behind the first vehicle, and wherein thesecond viewpoint is an estimated viewpoint of a driver of the firstvehicle.
 7. The graphic of claim 2, wherein the printed pattern includesa white opaque ink layer, a transparent color ink layer, and a darkopaque ink layer.
 8. The graphic of claim 2, wherein the printed patternincludes a first portion and a second portion, and wherein thenonprinted pattern isolates the first portion from the second portion.